HANIFA 2021 READY TO WEAR COLLECTION REVIEW
WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE
DMV based luxury brand Hanifa’s very first (in-person) fashion show (because we can’t discount the iconic virtual show the designer blessed us with during the pandemic that was the first of its kind, regardless of what the misleading headlines said) was recently held in Washington, D.C., inviting everyone from fashion’s elite to the everyday woman. Despite a hectic schedule, I felt propelled to share my thoughts on the premium womenswear brand’s latest collection because, well, look at the material…
Designer Anifa Mvuemba has a true gift of knowing exactly what details of a garment should be emphasized and reworked, and which aspects of the piece should remain subtle, classic, and timeless. I believe it’s the very thing that has kept Hanifa at the center of conversation, specifically for the sophisticated and sultry women who love to look regal, super sexy, and refined all at once. This collection was no different. The brand came in hot, serving glossy textures, voluminous silhouettes, and vibrant color to boot.
When I think of Hanifa, I think of that piece that hugs all of the right places on a woman’s body, shows just the right amount of skin via a signature cut out, and features an interesting color-way that you can probably bet money no one else in the room will have on. Hanifa’s designs use subtle details to show women that their form, complexion, undertones, and their desire for originality are still deeply acknowledged and celebrated within fashion. This very concept was particularly evident with a few of my favorite pieces from the show, including the golden yellow satin slit midi dress (see below), topped with a cropped ribbed turtleneck that featured exagerrated sleeves. The immaculate bodycon shaping paid homage to the model’s hourglass figure in an elegant formal satin fabrication, while the pullover sweater incorporated an element of outerwear gone sexy and impractical, yet so polished and chic.
Hanifa also brought back another signature of theirs this season, thick fringe. Hanifa often incorporates fringe trim onto their infamous sweater sets and wrap dresses. The designer took it up a notch by applying the texture to a show-stopping pink mock neck halter dress, that if you ask me, has actress and fashion icon Tracee Ellis Ross’s name all over it. (Picture her with her curly fro, enough said.) I appreciated the pink fringe dress specifically because it serves as a snapshot of what designer Mvuemba does to stay current and keeping her consumer wanting more. She often takes one element of a past design (in this case, fringe) and elevates it by either changing where it’s placed on the garment, or the spacing of it. This keeps her signature aesthetic consistent, without it becoming stale.
While Mveuemba made sure to include some of her more classic silhouettes that the brand is known for, I also noted some newer, more dramatic, and formal pieces featured in this collection. For example, the silver metallic asymmetrical top and skirt combo with a balloon sleeve, stood out to me as a worthy go-to for this season’s holiday parties and events. It’s a texture that’s much more on the formal side than I’m used to seeing from the brand, but it was refreshing to see nonetheless.
Another head-turner, the innovative denim mermaid gown that closed the show served as a beautiful and fresh example of Hanifa’s eye for the unconventional. Her decision to make formalwear out of such a casual staple that is often worn when we’re not looking to dress to impress was clever and thought-provoking, pushing many of us to ask ourselves “could I get away with a denim gown?”
Overall, I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Hanifa’s signature design elements with a few newer, elevated ones placed in the mix. She’s giving us something to look forward to this season by forcing us to consider what silhouettes, colorways, and construction elements we may have been running from, but that just may be the key to having style that stands out. See the full collection here.
Image Source: Vogue
